Shyne Inks New Deal With Def Jam

Recently freed rapper Shyne has inked a seven-figure deal with Def Jam, according to reports. According to Miss Info, Def Jam won a bidding war between Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine and other labels, for the rights to release Shyne's highly anticipated album, his first since 2004. Shyne is also reportedly being managed by HipHopSince1978, the same company that manages the careers of Drake, Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne. It’s being reported that Shyne is planning to record his album in London, although he was not allowed entry into the country last week, because of his immigration papers. This is the second time that Shyne has inked a deal with Def Jam. He signed a seven-figure deal with the label in 2004, although he clashed with CEO LA Reid over the promotion of his album, Godfather: Buried Alive.

For the full story or to comment log on: http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/02/16/22126869.aspx

M.G.

Def Jux

Yesterday, the internet kicked up a storm of rumors that Definitive Jux, the hugely influential indie rap label that rapper/producer El-P launched a decade ago, was folding. Last night, El posted a long statement on the label's website to clarify things. Def Jux isn't shutting down, exactly, but it is going "on hiatus", and El will soon step down as the label's artistic director.

According to El, the label won't shut down completely: "Of course we'll still have our website, we will still sell our catalog, merch and more as well as bring you news and updates on all our projects and artists." But once the label releases a few forthcoming albums, "As a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus. We are not closing, but we are changing. The process is already underway, and the last several months (for those wondering what the hell we've been up to) have been spent dealing with the technical aspects of wrapping up the label in it's current form and re-imagining our collective and individual futures."

Definitive Jux may evolve into something other than a traditional record label, but El-P is not yet sure what form it might take: "I also see newer, smarter, more interesting things on the horizon for the way art and commerce intersect, and as an artist and an entrepreneur, I'm eager to see them unfold. The evolution of this industry is, in my opinion, exciting, inevitable and it would be nice to see the DEFINITIVE JUX brand be a part of it. In other words, maybe we can turn this hoopty in to a hovercraft."

Before shutting down in its current form, Def Jux will release King of Hearts, a posthumous album from rapper and S.A. Smash/Weatherman/Central Services member Camu Tao, who died of lung cancer in 2008. There are also plans for a remix compilation, a 10th-anniversary retrospective album, and "some other goodies" before the hiatus starts.

Even if Def Jux finds a way to thrive in some new form, this could mark a momentous loss for indie rap in general. Over the past ten years, Definitive Jux released records by El-P, Cannibal Ox, Aesop Rock, Cage, Mr. Lif, RJD2, Murs, and more.

Def Jux had a massive impact on the sound of indie rap. El-P's squalid, discordant production, which in many ways defined the label's sound, marked a huge departure from the dusky boom-bap of the label's underground rap predecessors. You can hear its echoes in much of the past decade's underground rap. And Def Jux was also the rare record label that had an identity beyond whatever artists happened to be signed to the label at any given time. The label's records were elaborately designed and packaged, and its artists tended to group together on package tours. I've heard club crowds chant the label's name, a true rarity for any record label in any genre. El's statement could mark the end of an era.

Posted by Tom Breihan on February 3, 2010 at 10:20 a.m.
http://pitchfork.com/news/37778-definitive-jux-goes-on-hiatus/

M.G.

The Peace Project

This Saturday, February 13 @ Shadow Lounge @10 pm The Peace Project will be performing with Gene Stovall. Will be an exciting night of great R & B, jazz, soul and funk. 18 and older with a $7 cover. Please dress respectfully :-). For more information confirm @ their facebook event page.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=291075417033&index=1

Check out The Peace Project on Myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/thepeaceprojectband

Shadow Lounge
5972 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 363-8277

Enjoy!

M.G.

Immortal Technique Interview

Buscrates- Keep Trying

New track, literally new like was done a couple of hours ago. Check it out, it brings me back to "Dilla Era Tribe Called Quest" mode.

http://buscrates16-bitensemble.bandcamp.com/track/keep-trying

Enjoy!

M.G.

BNVz

Following in the tradition of Pittsburgh pop voyagers such as Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, and Pittsburgh Slim, The BNVz (formerly known as the Beats N' Verbz) are quickly becoming one of the city's top crossover artists. Organized by vibrant MC/DJ/producer, MH the Verb, the group has developed a novel sound and individual style incorporating electronic production with live instrumentation. Bridging the rhythmic foundation of blues with the new age sounds and themes of electro-pop and Hip Hop, they have taken a progressive musical approach while still maintaining strong compositional elements. However, the group’s messages are delivered directly through their lyricism. The unique combination of poetic anecdotes, imaginative rhyme schemes, and catchy hooks address key generational issues while sustaining popular appeal.

As the Beats N' Verbz, originally an organic Hip Hop fusion band comprising of University of Pittsburgh music students, the group began building a name for themselves after winning Pitt's Annual Battle of the Bands. The band received critical acclaim after opening up for Lifehouse at Pitt's fall festival, and later with the release of their 2005 debut CD titled, "We Blowin' Up". After being voted "the Best Band in Pittsburgh", the Beats N' Verbz started off 2007 with significant radio play and strong performances, opening up for national acts and touring.

However, creative differences led to the evolution of the BNVz in late 2007. Changing the focus (and the name) of their project, MH and remaining keyboardist, Ben Bromfield decided to dissolve the original band and focus on expanding their musical vision through electronic production. Dedicated to the idea of having an eclectic musical group, consisting of various artists and musicians, the duo began writing for their aptly titled, "-ism" series. (The "-ism" series, is a collection of concept albums featuring lyrical storytelling through popular music, with undertones of socially conscience messages and progressive ideas.) Soon after, the BNVz hooked up with Machine Age Studios, and immediately began work with producer, Preslav Lefterov, on their first project, "Narcissism". By early 2009, the group had released their first singles, "Turn Off the Lights" and "Money Can't Save U".

Looking to capture the essence of their studio sound through live performances, MH and Bromfield formed a new band of musicians. Featuring a diverse array of talent, they’ve assembled a rotating group of artists, vocalists, and musicians fusing their pop production with organic instrumentation. While Bromfield continues to focus on the studio side, MH the Verb continues to spearhead the movement in post-production as the group’s true constant. Other musicians such as; keyboardist, GR Stone; vocalist, Peace Ike; percussionist, Dennis the Menace; and DJ B-Tips bring energy as the BNVz have continued to impress with their outrageous and entertaining live performances. Armed with a supporting cast of gifted musicians, a strong organizational sense of identity, and a distinct musical style, the BNVz are ready to stake their claim as the best the 'Burgh has to offer.



Discography

“pre-Narcissism: the 2009 Preview Demo”

(2009 – Verbal Theory Music/ Machine Age Records)

Track List:

1) Turn Off the Lights

2) Money Can’t Save U

3) My Generation (f/ Charon Don)

4) the A*Team (with DeadBeats Writers Lab)



“We Blowin Up”

(2005 – Independent)

[then known as, the Beats N Verbz]

Track List:

1) FUNky intro

2) the Kid's Comin Back

3) Thin Air

4) J.Pitts WPTS-92.1

5) Two Miracles Late

6) Scream!

7) Interview with Kinase

8) I got No...

9) Not at Home

10) Emphasis (We Blowin Up)

11) City Lights

12) Dennis got Happy

13) Scream! - LIVE

14) I got No... - LIVE

15) Emphasis - LIVE

16) Shout Outz

Band Members:
MH the Verb : MC/ producer

GR Stone : band director/ keys/ synthesizers

Dennis the Menace : drums

DJ B-Tips : DJ/ turntablist/ sampler



With additional support by:

Ben Bromfield : co-producer/ keys/ synthesizers
J Bird : DJ/ turntablist

Hey Arnold! : saxophone
Ben Padlock : drums/ percussion

Peace Ike : backup vocals
Thomas Anthony : backup vocals



Photos, Videos & Images

www.facebook.com/theBNVz

http://www.myspace.com/thebnvz

Home site is currently under construction but can download a few singles when back and running.

www.BNVzMusic.com

Thanks a lot Marcus!

M.G.

Cage

Just wanted to share a pic with me and one of my favorite artists Cage. This was taken from a live show at Diesel Night Club in the Southside of Pittsburgh. Was the first time I was able to see him live after being a fan for so many years, I was very excited when I heard he was playing and left very pleased. His life as well as his career has taken a big turn and I can understand that things must change. I was lucky enough to chat with him for a bit after his soundcheck and discussed some issues he had with his album, Movies For the Blind and the transition from Hell's Winter to Depart From Me. I will be posting a mix from him as soon as I can sit down with my music i have on another computer.

M.G.